BriefCoalitionHistory:

In 1987, a concerned community group came together to discuss what could be done to address underage drinking following the death of a high school senior. This group was led by Rev. Bruce Hobert, pastor at Trinity Lutheran. Data sources largely came from personal experiences and stories of underage drinking. The group met for about a year.

In the early 90’s, another group came together led by John Andersen, Principal at NHHS. At this time, materials and research from the Search Institute were presented and discussed. The Search Institute is based upon a theoretical framework that youth need essential assets in life to thrive. This group worked to promote these assets to all parents by distributing the Search Institute books. The books were funded through a Drug-Free schools grant. This group met for about one year.

In 2004, a “Task Force for Youth and Families” was organized by Linda Kennedy, New Hampton Community School District Curriculum Coordinator, in response to teen depression and suicide issues. The task force met once a month and touched on the alcohol issue. In December of 2004, a NAMASTE was staged for high school students. At that session, health professionals were brought in to talk with students about healthy ways to cope with stress.

In the fall of 2005, the Iowa Youth Survey was administered and the results confirmed the high rate of underage drinking. In May of 2005, Linda Kennedy facilitated a meeting of community stakeholders. The survey results were shared and piqued interest, but no one wanted to step forth and do much about it. In the fall of 2006, a small group began to meet monthly. This group was led by Rod Ankrom, Pastor of Harvest Church.

In 2007, The “Chickasaw County Coalition for Preventing Underage Drinking” formally began through an Iowa Department of Public Health mini-grant. At this time, a community readiness assessment was conducted resulting in “denial.” The coalition then worked together to raise awareness in the county and implement strategies. From 2007 to 2010, the coalition worked toward passing the Social Host Ordinance, held 4 Town Hall meetings, posted yard signs and provided educational materials to the community. In 2008, Families Making Connections, Floyd, Mitchell and Chickasaw Counties (decat) joined in to work with local partners to address substance abuse.

In 2011, the county was among 23 counties awarded the Strategic Prevention Framework-State Incentive Grant from the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration, the Iowa Department of Public Health and Pathways Behavioral Services, Inc. to address underage and adult binge drinking. A full time coordinator was hired to implement five evidence-based environmental strategies. They were: Safety at Community Events, Cops in Shops, Counter marketing, Compliance Checks and School Policies. The grant term is complete on July 1, 2014. However, under a sustainability plan, ongoing efforts will continue.

From 1987-2013, Pathways Behavioral Services has held the Comprehensive Substance Abuse Grant through the Iowa Department of Public Health in the county and has partnered with the Chickasaw County Board of Supervisors and Chickasaw County Board of Health. Mercy Medical Center, the School Districts, the clergy and many individuals have partnered to prevent underage drinking in the county.

In 2014, the coalition re-branded and launched a non-profit organization committed to promoting healthy choices, healthy lifestyles called, “Chickasaw Connections, Inc.” The coalition will be represented by 14 community sectors who demonstrate their commitment to the vision and mission of a healthier Chickasaw County.

In 2015, Chickasaw was one of 12 Counties in Iowa selected to receive the Iowa Partnerships for Success Grant, a 5-year project to reduce underage drinking and youth binge drinking rates. The support Chickasaw Connections provides in directing the efforts of this project is an essential to achieve success!